The White Ape - Leo Kottke (cover version)

Like "Range", this is another '70s favorite from the Chrysalis "Leo Kottke" album (1976).
For whatever reason, this tune is burned permanently in my brain, but I still thought I should record it before my fingers forget it. My playing is a little lackluster, and on a good day I can sometimes do a little better, but lights and microphones never help. I added the MIDI oboes, flute, and cellos (using Garritan Personal Orchestra samples) after the audio was recorded. The three vibrato accent notes in measures 14-15 were recorded and added later as well using a nylon string Ovation guitar and a glass slide.
The original Leo Kottke recording is really nicely done, and if you haven't heard it recently, it's worth digging up.

[@joelgreene2670]

Beautiful.

[@GazelemsStone]

Fantastic!

[@jamesmarshall9598]

a haunting tune easily summoned to backdrop a sullen day:thank you !!!

[@SfC57b]

Great job! I recently decided this is my favorite song, and (as a guitar player for over 40 years) I'm impressed!

[@scottnmarty]

My God! Brilliant performance!

[@Iaingbrennan1]

Magical!

[@guitar_md]

You are incredibly talented.

[@jpiir]

Sounds amazing

[@19NaVi72]

Wonderful stuff. Damn near as good as Kottke's original, and a WONDERFUL choice of songs to cover.

[@ArJay1972]

Amazing....

[@ElMysticoTwose]

Wonderful, than you!

[@wchphoto]

Well done, sir! It's one of the few Leo tunes where I don't mind accompaniment. Although it's still a great solo tune. If I recall correctly (and that's always a big "if" these days!) he didn't play it very much in concert, back in the day.

[@pitts8rh]

Thanks. I never did hear "The White Ape" live in concert myself back in the day, and I've been to a few. He seemed to avoid some of the pieces that were produced with accompaniment.

[@19NaVi72]

@pitts8rh You're far too humble. You did a stupendous job on a tough song. This is one of my favorites by Kottke...mysterious, majestic, with an undercurrent of melancholy. It's sad when real talent like yours gets fewer hits than a fat Korean boy body popping, but please know I, and lots of others, really do appreciate your skill and talent.

[@Blindleoblake66]

Again well done laddie !!

[@1wiesehoefer1]

great playing

[@YManCyberDude]

Very nice !

[@Iaingbrennan1]

Great job!

[@jeffblanton3883]

My favorite instrumental by kottke

[@jeffblanton3883]

Well done,tickling those strings

[@ron28688]

you played this absolutely fantastic, i would love if you could write out the chords of this. i cannot find tab for it anywhere and u play it so beautifuly.

[@tombowman3693]

Roger, truly amazing job of transcribing and playing this tune. One of my all time favorites. Been looking for a good transcription for a long time. You have nailed it. Any chance you have it written down and would share it with me. Again, great job.

[@Iaingbrennan1]

pitts8rh Beautifully played version of this Kottke classic, -you are too modest concerning your playing ability, great sound on your 12-string,-loved the background track you did too, any chance of tabs or a lesson?........

[@leojim141]

Is this in standard tuning ??

[@edoschweihs]

Here's a better one !!